Hosts United Arab Emirates take on Ireland at the Seven Districts Sports Club in what promises to be a lively Group A encounter in the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026. Led by Esha Oza, the UAE are playing in familiar territory and have built a side capable of troubling higher-ranked opponents on their day, with Theertha Satish and Samaira Dharnidharka playing key roles. Ireland, captained by Gaby Lewis, enter the tournament with clear ambitions of reaching the knockout phase. Backed by seasoned campaigners like Laura Delany, Amy Hunter, and Louise Little, the Irish squad blends youthful strokeplay with plenty of international miles.
Squads:
United Arab Emirates Women’s Cricket Team
Esha Oza (C), Heena Hotchandani, Theertha Satish, Maseera Jahangir, Archara Supriya, Sashikala Silva, Indhuja Nandakumar, Janani Thirukkumari, Mehul Kulkarni, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Simran Sheth, Suraksha Kotte, Uttara Iyer
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Zara Craig, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Abbi Harrison, Amy Hunter, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray
Players to watch out:
Samaira Dharnidharka
Samaira Dharnidharka has shown great promise representing UAE in the shortest format, turning out in 87 matches and playing 57 innings to gather 486 runs, highlighted by an unbeaten 85. She has been exceptionally sharp with her right-arm medium pace, picking up 60 wickets in 68 innings at a stellar average of 14.98 and an economy rate of 5.23, backed up by the best spell of 4 for 5. Her sharp fielding has also added 19 catches to her overall contributions.
Heena Hotchandani
Heena Hotchandani is another key pillar for the UAE bowling attack, having featured in 51 T20Is and taken 47 wickets across 50 bowling innings. She keeps batters quiet with a remarkable economy rate of 4.60 and an average of 14.89, with her best figures reading 4 for 8. While she is primarily known for her disciplined spin, she has also chipped in with 386 runs with the bat and taken 17 catches in the field.
Gaby Lewis
Gaby Lewis is a powerhouse at the top of the order for Ireland, bringing immense firepower across her 119 T20I appearances. She has amassed 3,185 runs in 117 innings at an average of 31.22 and a brisk strike rate of 116.41, featuring two brilliant centuries and 20 half-centuries. With 448 fours and 27 sixes to her name, alongside 49 catches in the outfield, she remains one of the most feared openers in the associate and global game.
Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter has made waves for Ireland with her incredible composure and stroke play, playing 68 T20Is and batting 66 times to score 1,645 runs. She boasts a strong average of 29.37 and a strike rate of 113.91, highlighted by two magnificent hundreds and six fifties. She has also taken on wicketkeeping duties efficiently, collecting 25 catches and 16 stumpings while hitting 182 fours and 18 sixes.
Pitch:
This ground features a flatter, true-bouncing track that favors stroke-makers, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. Spinners find less sharp turn here, making hard-length bowling and disciplined death overs essential for containing runs.
Weather:
The conditions will be sunny during the day and clear at night, with a high of 29°C and a low of 21°C. Expect 44% humidity, a 13 mph wind from the west, and a 0% chance of daytime rain (5% at night).
Fantasy Playing XI:
Esha Oza, Heena Hotchandani, Theertha Satish, Maseera Jahangir, Archara Supriya, Sashikala Silva, Gaby Lewis, Zara Craig, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Amy Hunter
Match Details:
Date – November 13, 2026
Time – 10:30 AM IST
Venue – Seven Districts Sports Club, Ajman
Broadcast – The match will be live-streamed on FanCode App & Website and ICC.tv.